Sitting at a dock for 6 hours unpaid is the silent killer of trucking margins. Let’s talk detention.
What Is Detention?
Time spent loading or unloading beyond a “free” window — typically 2 hours. After that, the shipper or receiver should pay you for waiting.
Standard Industry Rates
- $50-75/hr is common
- $100+/hr for premium freight or hazmat
- Some carriers negotiate flat $250 after 4 hours
Document Everything
- In-time and out-time — get gate stamps or photos
- BOL notations — write detention time on the bill
- Driver app updates — your ELD already proves you were stationary
- Photos — of the dock door, time of day, your truck
How to Actually Get Paid
- Detention pay must be in your rate confirmation or contract
- Submit detention claim within the broker’s window (usually 7-30 days)
- Include BOL with times, ELD record, any communication
- Follow up in writing
The Reality
Brokers fight detention claims more than any other accessorial. Knowing your rights and having paper helps. So does declining loads from chronic offenders.
What shippers are notorious in your lanes?
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